When people visit Quagga River Lodge, one of the most common questions they ask is: “Is a quagga a zebra?”
The answer is both yes and no.
The quagga was once a unique subspecies of the plains zebra that roamed South Africa’s grasslands. Although it became extinct more than 140 years ago, its remarkable story lives on through modern conservation efforts. At Quagga River Lodge, guests can see Rau quaggas (animals selectively bred to resemble the original quagga) while learning about one of South Africa’s most fascinating wildlife stories.
What is a Quagga?
The quagga (Equus quagga quagga) was an extinct subspecies of the plains zebra. Unlike the familiar black-and-white striped zebra, the quagga has bold stripes only on its head, neck and shoulders. Towards the middle of its body, the stripes gradually faded into a solid brown coat, while its legs and underside were mostly white. DNA research has confirmed that the quagga was not a separate species, but rather a southern subspecies of the plains zebra.
The name “quagga” is believed to imitate the animal’s distinctive call, which sounded something like “kwa-ha.”
Why did the quagga become extinct?
Sadly, the quagga became one of the first large African mammals to be driven to extinction by humans.
During the 19th century, thousands of quaggas were hunted by European settlers for their meat and hides, while many were also killed to reduce competition with livestock for grazing land. Without any conservation measures in place, their numbers declined rapidly.
The last wild quagga is believed to have disappeared in the late 1870s, while the last known captive quagga died at Amsterdam Zoo on 12 August 1883.
Quagga vs zebra: What’s the difference?
Although they are closely related, there are several noticeable differences between a quagga and the plains zebra we know today.
Quagga
The quagga (Equus quagga quagga) was a subspecies of the plains zebra that once roamed the grasslands of South Africa. Unlike today’s zebras, it had bold black-and-white stripes only on its head, neck and shoulders, with the stripes gradually fading into brown hindquarters and mostly white legs. The original quagga became extinct in 1883 due to overhunting and habitat loss. Today, Rau quaggas have been selectively bred to closely resemble the extinct quagga, helping to preserve its remarkable legacy.
Plains Zebra
The plains zebra (Equus quagga) is the most widespread zebra species in Africa and is recognised by its distinctive black-and-white stripes covering almost its entire body, including its legs. Found across eastern and southern Africa, plains zebras live in herds and play an important role in maintaining healthy grassland ecosystems. Unlike the quagga, the plains zebra is still found in the wild, with several subspecies continuing to thrive in protected reserves and national parks across the continent.
The fading stripes made the quagga one of Africa’s most distinctive-looking animals, almost appearing as though it was part zebra and part horse.
Can quaggas be brought back?
Not exactly. Scientists cannot truly bring an extinct animal back to life, but because the quagga was a subspecies of the plains zebra rather than a completely separate species, conservationists realised that many of its genes still exist within living zebra populations.
This led to the launch of the Quagga Project in 1987. By carefully selecting plains zebras with lighter striping over multiple generations, conservationists have bred animals that closely resemble the original quagga in appearance. These animals are known as Rau quaggas, named after Reinhold Rau, the founder of the project.
While Rau quaggas are not genetically identical to the extinct quagga, they represent an extraordinary conservation achievement and help preserve an important part of South Africa’s natural heritage.
Meet the Rau quaggas at Quagga River Lodge
Quagga River Lodge is proud to be home to Rau quaggas, giving guests the rare opportunity to see these remarkable animals up close.
During a guided game drive, you’ll notice their distinctive colouring immediately. Their striped forequarters gradually give way to rich brown hindquarters, closely resembling historical illustrations and preserved specimens of the extinct quagga.
Seeing them in their natural surroundings offers a fascinating glimpse into South Africa’s wildlife history while highlighting the importance of conservation and selective breeding programmes.
More than just another striped animal
At first glance, a quagga may simply look like a zebra with fewer stripes, but its story is far more significant. As one of the first large African mammals to become extinct through human activity, the quagga has become a symbol of the importance of wildlife conservation. Today, the Rau quaggas found at Quagga River Lodge represent decades of dedicated conservation work, helping to keep the legacy of this remarkable animal alive.
Book your stay
Discover the story of the quagga at Quagga River Lodge, nestled along the lower Berg River on the Cape West Coast. Home to Rau quaggas, giraffe, golden oryx, springbok, eland and abundant birdlife, the lodge offers guided game drives, quad bike adventures and peaceful riverside escapes. Stay in one of five contemporary off-grid self-catering chalets and experience a unique blend of wildlife, conservation and nature, just a short drive from Cape Town.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is a quagga a zebra?
Yes. The quagga was an extinct subspecies of the plains zebra rather than a separate species.
Why did quaggas have fewer stripes?
Scientists believe the reduced striping evolved as the quagga adapted to the environment of southern Africa, although the exact reason is still to be debated.
Are quaggas extinct?
The original quagga became extinct in 1883. Today, Rau quaggas have been selectively bred to closely resemble the extinct animal, but they are not considered true quaggas.
Can you see quaggas in South Africa?
Yes, you can see Rau quaggas at selected reserves and conservation areas, including Quagga River Lodge in Velddrif.
Are quaggas larger than zebras?
No. Quaggas were generally similar in size to plains zebras, although they often appeared slightly stockier due to their distinctive brown colouring.
What animals are at Quagga River Lodge?
In addition to Rau quaggas, guest may also encounter giraffe, golden oryx, eland, springbok, ostriches and a rich variety of birdlife.
Does Quagga River Lodge offer game drives?
Yes, the lodge offers guided game drives. Guests can lean about the reserve’s wildlife and conservation efforts while enjoying the neatural beauty of the lower Berg River.
What other activities are available at Quagga River Lodge?
Along with game drives , guests can enjoy quad bike adventures, canoeing, fishing, birdwatching, e-biking and relaxing by the river.
